All of us experience some sort of anxiety attack symptoms from time to time. It is our natural response to a situation that we find stressful. For a lot of people, their performance can actually be improved by some level of stress or anxiety.

However, some of us find that experiencing severe anxiety attack symptoms on a day to day basis can interfere with life. This is a condition known as anxiety disorder and treatment usually involves psychotherapy and counselling, often alongside some form of medication.

For those who feel they have not yet suffered with anxiety, it is a feeling of unease. The vast majority of us experience some form of anxiety when we are faced with a particular stressful event or situation. For example, those jitters that we feel before a job interview or an important exam. We may experience these unpleasant feelings when we are worry about our finances or we have a family member suffering from an illness.

Of course it is perfectly normal to experience some degree of anxiety when we face a particularly difficult situation but one in ten UK people find that anxiety interferes with their normal everyday life. Acute anxiety may be linked to other psychiatric conditions, for example, depression. Anxiety is not considered normal when:

• it appears even when there is no stressful event
• it interferes with normal everyday activities such as socialising and work
• it is considered severe and prolonged

Symptoms of anxiety are triggered by the brain which sends messages to different areas of the body in preparation for the 'fight or flight' response. Certain organs in the body such as the lungs and heart work faster, whilst the brain releases an increased amount of stress hormones such as adrenaline.

As a result, certain physical symptoms can occur such as:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Increased/rapid heartbeat and/or palpitations
• Pain and tightness in the chest
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Dry mouth
• Swallowing difficulties
• More frequent urination
• dizziness

In addition to physical symptoms, there are also psychological symptoms which can include:

• Inability to sleep (insomnia)
• Anger and irritability
• Inability to maintain concentration
• Not feeling like one can control their actions (depersonalisation)
• Feeling unreal
• A fear of madness

There are different Types Of Anxiety Disorders:. They are often associated with a physical condition such as a thyroid disorder. The anxiety usually improves when the physical illness is treated. Anxiety is also the main symptoms of mental illnesses which are known as anxiety disorders. It is very often the symptom of a further mental health problem for example depression, alcohol misuse, personality disorder or a withdrawal from a long term use of tranquillisers.

Some sufferers experience what is known as 'acute stress reaction' where the anxiety attack symptoms develop quicker following the event. This reaction type occurs usually following an unexpected event such as bereavement. For some, this reaction may occur before the event, for example an exam. This is known as situational anxiety and the symptoms usually disappear fairly quickly and no treatment is required.

More information on overcoming anxiety attack symptoms here

In discovering your commitment to change the way you are now and learn how to stop anxiety attacks, you give yourself freedom. Reading this article means that you are already making headway. Even before you found this article, you made the choice that you wanted to move forward and make progress. You were already looking for help; in this case an article. You were already starting to exercise your personal power.

You may decide that you would like to exercise it further by talking things through with your doctor again, this time on a different footing. Demand fuller reassurances from him/her if you still feel worried about anything you were told, or were not told. Be pro-active instead of simply reacting to what they say or do. Start to wield your own power by taking control of the discussion. It is easier to do this when you know exactly what you want to say, find out, ask about, and want, so prepare yourself beforehand; take in a written list with you if you think you might forget something. You have a right to have your questions answered.

If you still feel dissatisfied, you could always ask for a second opinion from another doctor, or ask to be referred to someone else who could help. Although you are starring to heal yourself, you might need or want additional support and guidance. Think of that help as a tool for you to use. You stay in control of it. Tools don't control you.